Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home in Orange County?

By Tarah Walker

Tarah Walker is a licensed real estate broker, mortgage loan originator, and property manager in Orange County - proudly serving her clients since 2013. Tarah's dedication to excellence shines through in every transaction. As a committed real estate advisor, her primary goal is to facilitate the sale of your property with efficiency, professionalism, and a personal touch. Whether refining your listing strategy or negotiating favorable terms, Tarah is fully dedicated to your success. If you are seeking a real estate professional who combines expertise with personalized attention, Tarah Walker is here to help make your real estate journey a smooth and successful one.

With everything going on with the economy, it’s natural to wonder, “Is it still a good move to jump into the market?” If you’re on the fence about buying or selling your home because of news about tariffs and high interest rates, I’m here to give you clarity about the market to make sure you’re making the right move.

• Home prices are holding strong, even with more inventory. The median home price in Orange County is still around $1.3 million, which is great news for home sellers.

However, while high prices affect affordability, homebuyers can still benefit from more homes hitting the market. This increase in inventory gives buyers more options, less competition, and a chance to find a home without getting caught in a bidding war.

• Interest rates. Rates have been hovering in the high 6% to low 7% range, which is higher than what we’ve seen in recent years. One way to manage high rates is to make a solid down payment and plan to stay in your home long-term.

Locking in a rate now can help stabilize your housing costs. While rates may fluctuate, your mortgage payment remains predictable with a fixed-rate loan, a significant advantage in an uncertain economy.

• Construction costs could impact future prices. Tariffs on building materials, particularly from countries like China and Canada, are driving up construction costs. This could lead to higher home prices in the future. If you’re financially prepared and seeking a long-term investment, buying now might help you get ahead of potential price increases.

Every situation is unique. If you’re financially stable and plan to stay in your home for several years, now could be a smart time to buy, especially with more homes available. On the flip side, if you’re selling, strong prices and steady demand mean you could still achieve a great return.

Want to know more about the current state of the housing market? Give me a call or send me a message at (562) 569-2222 or walkerteamoc@gmail.com. I’d love to help you make the best decision for your future home.